Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the situation in Maha Kumbh was now under control. He confirmed that some devotees had been critically injured in the stampede.
The CM urged people not to pay attention to rumors. “There are around 8-10 crore devotees present in Prayagraj. Continuous pressure is due to the movement of devotees towards the Sangam Nose,” he said.
सभी पूज्य संतों, श्रद्धालुओं, प्रदेश एवं देश वासियों से मेरी अपील है कि अफवाह पर कोई ध्यान न दें, संयम से काम लें, प्रशासन आप सभी की सेवा के लिए तत्परता से कार्य कर रहा है… pic.twitter.com/r3qAkveJoz
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 29, 2025
As of 8:30 a.m., about three crore people had taken a holy dip. CM Yogi spoke to the media in Lucknow while a high-level meeting was ongoing.
He expressed grief over the stampede-like situation and assured all assistance was being provided. The Maha Kumbh administration remained alert.
The stampede occurred at 2 a.m. when devotees rushed to the Sangam Nose and barricades broke due to the massive crowd. “A few devotees suffered serious injuries when they tried to cross barricades on Akhara Marg,” CM Yogi stated. The injured were transferred to hospitals for treatment.
“The situation is now under control. The Snan of devotees is our priority,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reviewed the situation four times. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Governor Anandiben Patel have also been regularly receiving reports.
“The situation in Prayagraj is under control but the crowd remains massive. Saints from various Akharas have advised devotees to take the holy dip first. Akharas will follow once the crowd thins,” said the CM.
Appeals To Devotees
CM Yogi appealed to devotees not to pay attention to rumours and to visit other ghats. “There are large crowds at Sangam Nose, Nag Vasuki Marg, and Sangam Marg. Devotees should take the holy dip at the ghats nearest to them,” he urged.
The CM said the administration was ensuring medical treatment for the injured. Special trains have been organized by the Railways to take devotees back to their destinations.
The CM has been constantly monitoring the situation. The Chief Secretary, DGP, and other senior officials are present in the war room set up for Maha Kumbh 2025. The CM has been receiving updates from officials and providing necessary directions since 4:00 a.m.
Stampede And Injuries
A stampede-like situation occurred in the early hours of Wednesday due to the large number of pilgrims gathering for the holy bath on Mauni Amavasya. At least 30 women were injured and are undergoing treatment at the central hospital. Some seriously injured were transferred to other hospitals.
The Uttar Pradesh government had expected 10 crore pilgrims in one day and had stepped up security for the ‘Amrit Snan.’
Also Read: CM Yogi Appeals To Devotees: Follow Instructions, Avoid Rumours, Bathe At Nearest Ganga Ghats
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